Begin the lesson with a captivating story about how the Grand Canyon was formed over millions of years through the processes of weathering and erosion. This will engage students and set the context for understanding these geological processes.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Weathering and Erosion
Learning Objectives
- Understand the processes of weathering and erosion and how they contribute to changes in Earth's surface.
- Identify examples of natural formations created through weathering and erosion, such as the arches in Arches National Park and the pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- Explain the role of natural forces like wind, water, and frost in the processes of weathering and erosion.
- Recognize that weathering and erosion typically occur slowly over millions of years but can also happen rapidly during extreme weather events.
- Explore how different materials and environmental conditions affect the rate of weathering and erosion.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain the concepts of weathering and erosion using visual aids and diagrams. Highlight how natural forces like wind, water, and frost contribute to these processes.
Use the video 'Weathering and Erosion – A Visit to Bryce Canyon National Park' to provide a visual representation of these processes. This video offers engaging visuals and explanations that help students understand how natural forces shape unique rock formations over time.
Guided Exploration
Facilitate a discussion on the role of weathering and erosion in shaping famous natural formations like the arches in Arches National Park and the pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Watch the video 'The Grand Canyon' to explore how the Colorado River has shaped this vast landscape over millions of years, illustrating the power of water erosion.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct an experiment to simulate weathering and erosion using sand, water, and small rocks. Have students observe and record the changes over time.
Use the 'Weathering, Erosion and Deposition' assessment to guide students in building a model of a natural environment and observing the effects of weathering and erosion.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research a natural formation of their choice that has been shaped by weathering and erosion. They should prepare a short presentation on their findings.
Check for Understanding
Use the 'Comprehension – Weathering' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of chemical and physical weathering processes.
Review and Reflection
Facilitate a class discussion on how different environmental conditions affect the rate of weathering and erosion. Encourage students to share their research findings.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Review – Processes That Shape the Earth' assessment to test students' comprehension of the entire unit.
Try the Quiz
Encourage students to explore additional resources on weathering and erosion, such as documentaries or interactive websites, to deepen their understanding of these processes.
